Vaughn Bryant (@VaughnDerrick), formerly Chief Program Officer for the Chicago Park District, is now the Executive Director for The Chicago Literacy Alliance. A former Stanford University football player, Vaughn reached the NFL, played in NFL Europe and then served as one of the league's Player Development Managers. He also serves on the Chapter Board for PCA-Chicago and is a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Here, Vaughn lists the life lessons and character development opportunities available through sports, including camaraderie, teamwork and sacrifice. He also explains how sports participation can boost self esteem and help ingrain good, healthy habits that carry forward into other aspects of life beyond sports.